Shanghai Networking News - Writing Kick Ass Follow-Ups: The Quick and Easy Way

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Writing Kick Ass Follow-Ups: The Quick and Easy Way

Written by Alex Cureton-Griffiths

Writing follow-up e-mails is something I preach about quite often. Do I do it myself? I usually get round to it (since I'm good at remembering) but only because I found a quicker and easier way than cutting and pasting names into a pre-written e-mail. This better way is right under your nose if you're networking online, though few people seem to use it effectively, at least judging by my inbox.

So, how can you easily and quickly follow up yourself?

If you're using LinkedIn:

LinkedIn Home > Expand Your Network

If you're on Xing:

Xing Home > Invite contacts

You'll see a list of boxes for people's names and e-mail addresses -- just fill these in with the people you want to follow up on. After that, rewrite the subject line (to something like "Great meeting you at _______") and choose a suitable salutation (I usually use "Hi [name]" since follow-ups shouldn't be too formal).

Now, the most important part: Write a custom body that can apply to all the names you've just entered. I usually use:

Just dropping you a line to say it was great to meet you at ______________ (last night/the other night) and hope to see you at more networking events in the future. What did you think of the event, all in all?
By the way, I've also included an invite to my LinkedIn network with this email, if you're into that kind of thing.

Have a great weekend,
Alex C-G

Don't forget to include your signature with contact details at the bottom of the email!

Bear in mind:

Invite e-mails you send with LinkedIn will use the e-mail address you use on the site, so if your login e-mail is This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , that's the e-mail address people will see as the sender for the e-mail. Unfortunately, Xing sends all e-mail from a This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it address, looking a bit less professional.
Be sure to use your company e-mail address as your LinkedIn login, since that's the sender's address your follow-up e-mails will use.

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